Title

Author

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2017

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Wendy Simonds

Second Advisor

Eric Wright

Third Advisor

Rosalind Chou

Abstract

Research confirms that breastfeeding disparities persist and that lactation consultants play a key role in reducing them. However, there continues to be a limited availability of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in the US with racial minorities in particular facing persistent barriers in the certification process. Through semi-structured interviews with 36 IBCLCs across the US, this study takes a systematic look at breastfeeding disparities through the lens of the IBCLC. Specifically, this study addresses barriers to certification and employment discrimination faced by IBCLCs of color, race-based discrimination against patients, and the ways in which IBCLCs work to both medicalize and demedicalize breastfeeding. Each of these areas can impact breastfeeding equity, and each help to reveal the ways in which race, class, gender and medicine shape views and practices related to lactation and motherhood.

Cost and the increasingly university-focused approach of the IBCLC certification process are found to be significant barrier for participants. Race-based discrimination during the certification process and in the workplace is also an ongoing and persistent reality that affects participant’s relationships with patients and coworkers and their ability to secure workplace resources and to advance in their careers. IBCLCs report instances of race-based discrimination against patients such as unequal care provided to patients of color and overt racist remarks said in front of or behind patient’s backs. Finally IBCLCs are found to demedicalize breastfeeding, but they often lack the authority to change breastfeeding policies. They also engage in other work that medicalizes breastfeeding and perpetuate the idea that mothers are anxiety-prone patients in need of professional intervention.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Erin V., ""Why Even Bother? They Are Not Going To Do It": Racism and Medicalization in the Lactation Profession." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2017.https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/sociology_diss/95